Page 63 of Duke
I need to come up with a plan of action before I talk to Duke. That way, I’ll be able to focus on what’s best for me and my future first. I definitely didn’t plan on having a baby anytime soon. Sure, I think about having kids in a maybe-someday kind of way. I do want them.
But I also don’t want to end up like my parents. Settling down with someone just because I got pregnant—having a baby that wasn’t planned, that isn’t necessarily wanted—that’snothow my story is going to go.
I know what I don’t want. I just need to figure out what Idowant.
“I’m worried I won’t be able to think clearly if I’m here,” I say carefully. “These cowboys…they have a way of distracting you, you know?”
Mollie chuckles. “You sure? My doctor cleared me to travel again if you want me to come with you.”
I shake my head. “I’ll be okay. Haines is in town because his semester just ended, so I’ll have him.”
“Oh good. You sure?”
“Yeah. I just think I need a few days to figure all this out.”
Mollie ponders my words for a second, her hands on the wheel. “You know I’ll support you in whatever choice you make, right?”
“Right.”
“But I’m telling you, don’t keep this from Duke for too long. He’s gonna want to be there for you.”
More tears, because I know she’s right. “I won’t. I promise.”
“I’m really sorry you’re so upset, Wheeler.” Now Mollie looks likeshe’sgoing to cry. “I hate seeing you like this. Promise to stay in touch?”
Reaching across the front seat, I loop my pinkie through hers. “I promise. And you promise me you won’t say a word. Cash too.”
She zips up her mouth with her free hand. “Our lips are sealed.”
“Okay,” I say, even though I don’t feel okay at all.
CHAPTER 15
First Calls and Fuckups
Duke
“Dude, watch out,” Sawyer snaps.
Blinking, I glance over my shoulder to see my brother and his horse glowering at me. Did we just cut them off?
Yeah, we definitely cut them off. Giving my reins a tug, I fall in line beside him. “Shit, I’m sorry.”
“You okay? You seem a little—”
“Brain-dead.” Ryder trots up on my other side. Despite the abundant afternoon sunshine, he’s not wearing sunglasses, so I can see the concern in his eyes clear as day. It makes my stomach hurt. “Seriously, now I’m worried. Something happen?”
Pretty sure I fell a little in love with a woman who doesn’t want me, and now I can’t stop thinking about her.
Will I ever connect with someone like that again?
I can’t stop thinking about all the cool shit Wheeler and I could do together. The cool places we could visit. Keeps me up at night, wondering what we’re missing out on. Maybe that’s why I’ve felt so wired since we got back from Aspen. I have to drink gallons of coffee to remain upright during the day.
“No.” I do my damnedest to keep my expression neutral. “Yes. I don’t know.”
Of course my brothers asked me a million questions about what went down in Colorado when I got back. Felt wrong to kiss and tell, though, so I just said that Wheeler and I enjoyed our time and let that be that.
My brothers aren’t stupid. Especially Ryder. He’s read between the lines. But really, what else is there to say? Wheelerand I did enjoy our time. She’s not interested in anything beyond a weekend fling, though, so now we’re back to being just friends.
